Mississippi State running back Kylin Hill (8) dives for the end zone against Alabama on a play that was called back on a penalty in first half action at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 9, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) carries the ball against Mississippi State University in first half action at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 9, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) is helped off of the field after being injured in second half action against Mississippi State at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 9, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama defensive lineman Quinnen Williams (92) celebrates a sack against Mississippi State University in first half action at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 9, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama kicker Joseph Bulovas (97) watches an extra point go through against Mississippi State in first half action at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 9, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) is helped off of the field after being injured in second half action against Mississippi State at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 9, 2018.(Photo: Mickey Welsh)

TUSCALOOSA — Despite a lingering right knee injury to Alabama’s Heisman Trophy frontrunner, head coach Nick Saban has no intention to sit or limit snaps for star sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa this week against The Citadel.

“No. … No. Why would we do that? I mean, (are you trying) to say this is not an important game or he doesn't need to play?” Saban said Monday morning. “I think we need to do a better job (from) the people playing around him, doing what they're supposed to do so he doesn't get hit. And he needs to do a better job of stepping up in the pocket and getting rid of the ball, which he had several opportunities to do.

“Some of these hits could be avoided by better execution, and I think that's what we're going to focus on, not trying to take a guy out of the game so he can't improve or do what he needs to do to get better.”

Tagovailoa suffered a reported right quad injury late in the third quarter of Saturday’s 24-0 win over No. 16 Mississippi State when Bulldogs cornerback Cameron Dantzler went low and hit Tagovailoa just above his previously-injured right knee with his helmet for the team’s fourth sack of the game.

"I think Tua could've gone back into the game if he needed to,” Saban said Saturday immediately following the game. "He got hit low a few times out there today, I think he got hit in the front of the knee, not the back, which is where his initial problem was."

Tagovailoa has taken a bit of a beating in recent weeks as No. 1 Alabama (10-0, 7-0 SEC) has faced two of the league’s premier defensive fronts, surrendering five of the team’s 10 sacks allowed this season against LSU and Mississippi State.

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) scrambles for yardage against Mississippi State in first half action at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 9, 2018.(Photo: Mickey Welsh)

Like Saban, junior left tackle Jonah Williams said the number of sacks surrendered is a bit of a misnomer, and is a direct result of missed opportunities by both the offensive line and the quarterback.

“I think they (MSU) were very aggressive on defense, especially after the first two drives when we moved the ball pretty easily, and they kind of went into aggressive-mode,” Williams said Monday. “And when they do that there’s a lot of opportunities that are open that maybe we didn’t take advantage of. … So some of it is scheme, some of it is (the offensive line) not playing as well as we can.”

Tagovailoa, who has started every game this season, originally suffered a “sprained” knee last month against Arkansas, briefly returning to the field before exiting prior to the fourth quarter in the 65-31 blowout win Oct. 6.

A week later, Tagovailoa was forced to leave the Missouri game early in the third quarter after appearing to re-aggravate the knee injury following an awkward slide, requiring a few minutes to pick himself up off the turf after receiving on-field attention from team trainers. Tagovailoa went directly to the medical tent, where he and his parents remained for several minutes before exiting, though Tagovailoa never returned to the field.

The next week, Tagovailoa played most of a 58-21 win at Tennessee, throwing his third 300-yard passing game of the season and four touchdowns through just 32 minutes of in-game action. Afterward, in his first postgame availability of the season, Tagovailoa admitted he still feels the injury when he makes certain movements in a game.

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) carries the ball against Mississippi State University in first half action at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 9, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) carries the ball against Auburn in first half action during the Iron Bowl at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 24, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) carries the ball against Auburn in first half action during the Iron Bowl at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 24, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) runs off the field after defeating The Citadel in second half action at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 17, 2018. Mickey Welsh / Advertiser

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) carries the ball in first half action against Auburn during the Iron Bowl at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 24, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) carries the ball against Auburn in first half action during the Iron Bowl at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 24, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) carries the ball in first half action against Auburn during the Iron Bowl at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 24, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Fans cheer as Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa arrives with the team before the Alabama vs. Louisiana State football game at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La., on Saturday November 3, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) pulls on his knee brace after rushing for a long touchdown against LSU in second half action at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La., on Saturday November 3, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) pulls on his knee brace after scoring a long rushing touchdowns against LSU in second half action at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La., on Saturday November 3, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) hands off the ball to running back Josh Jacobs (8) in first half action against Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tn., on Saturday October 20, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) signals number one as Alabama takes the field against Tennessee in first half action at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tn., on Saturday October 20, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) carries against Louisville In first half action of the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday September 1, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) after scoring a touchdown against Louisville In first half action of the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday September 1, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) looks to pass against Louisville in second half action of the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday September 1, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) is forced out of bounds by Louisville safety Dee Smith (11) In first half action of the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday September 1, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) is shaken up early against Louisville In first half action of the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday September 1, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) takes the field for the first play as a starter against Louisville in the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday September 1, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) scores a touchdown against Louisville In first half action of the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday September 1, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) celebrates scoring a touchdown with Alabama tight end Irv Smith Jr. (82) In first half action of the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday September 1, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throws as the University of Alabama football team holds practice in Bryant-Denny Stadium on the Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa, Ala. on Saturday August 4, 2018. Mickey Welsh / Advertiser

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa wipes sweat as the University of Alabama football team holds practice in Bryant-Denny Stadium on the Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa, Ala. on Saturday August 4, 2018. Mickey Welsh / Advertiser

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa warms up as the University of Alabama football team holds practice in Bryant-Denny Stadium on the Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa, Ala. on Saturday August 4, 2018. Mickey Welsh / Advertiser

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) with a cast on his hand during the A-Day Game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa, Ala. on Saturday April 21, 2018. Mickey Welsh / Advertiser

Alabama quarterbacks Jalen Hurts, left, and Tua Tagovailoa have their picture taken during the NCAA college football national championship parade, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Alabama won the national championship game against Georgia 26-23 in overtime. Brynn Anderson, AP

Alabama head coach Nick Saban and Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa share a laugh in Atlanta, Ga., on Tuesday January 9, 2018, during a press conference the day after winning the College Football Playoff National Championship. (Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser) .

Alabama head coach Nick Saban, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and defensive lineman Da’Ron Payne in Atlanta, Ga., on Tuesday January 9, 2018, during a press conference the day after winning the College Football Playoff National Championship. (Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser) .

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) warms up before the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on Monday January 8, 2018. Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser

Alabama head coach Nick Saban and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa stand beside the National Championship Trophy in Atlanta, Ga., on Tuesday January 9, 2018, during a press conference the day after winning the College Football Playoff National Championship. Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) speaks in Atlanta, Ga., on Tuesday January 9, 2018, during a press conference the day after winning the College Football Playoff National Championship. Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) carries the ball against Georgia in second half action of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on Monday January 8, 2018. (Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser) .

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) carries against Georgia in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on January 8, 2018. Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) signs a jersey for a fan during the Alabama Media Day for the College Football Playoff in Atlanta, Ga., on Saturday January 6, 2018. Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) interviews teammates during the Alabama Media Day for the College Football Playoff in Atlanta, Ga., on Saturday January 6, 2018. (Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser) .

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) looks to pass against Georgia in second half action of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on Monday January 8, 2018. (Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser) .

Highly touted quarterback recruit Tua Tagovailoa speaks to the media during a news conference Wednesday. Tagovailoa is one of the players who took advantage of early enrollment. Gary Cosby Jr./Tuscaloosa News/AP

“I don’t feel it every play, there’s just certain movements that I make when I can feel it,” Tagovailoa said Oct. 20, “but other than that, it’s just one of those things you have to play through.”

Alabama’s once-loaded quarterback position has been a source of concern the last several weeks with junior backup and one-time starter Jalen Hurts missing the last two games after undergoing a “minor” medical procedure on a sprained right ankle suffered against Tennessee.

Despite dressing out against LSU and Mississippi State, Hurts did not participate and appeared highly limited during pregame warm ups. Redshirt freshman quarterback Mac Jones has taken all the backup snaps in place of Hurts, including in the first quarter against LSU after Tagovailoa was hit below the belt and had to sit out a play.

Hurts remains “day-to-day,” according to Saban, but is making “good progress” in his rehabilitation.

“Jalen’s day to day. He’s definitely getting better,” Saban said Monday. “Tua’s OK. He’s going to be able to practice, so that’s not an issue. Mac (Jones) is getting a lot of reps, so I think he’s getting better.”

In spite of the obvious injury concerns, Saban made it clear he has no intention to further protect any of his walking wounded by resting them this week against Alabama’s annual pre-Iron Bowl FCS opponent.

“Whatever the guys can do, we’re going to have them do and get as many reps for them as we can,” Saban said. “As a coach, it’s a little difficult sometimes to manage guys that are injured because regardless of what the medical circumstance is, the player has to be confident that he can do to go out there and do his job well. And that’s something that we can only evaluate as we go through the week’s practice.”

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) directs from the line in first half action against Mississippi State at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 9, 2018.(Photo: Mickey Welsh)